Meet the Board of Directors of Lennox International

Lennox International is a well-known company in the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) industry, providing innovative solutions to both residential and commercial customers. The company's Board of Directors plays a critical role in ensuring that the company's strategy is aligned with long-term success, and that the interests of its stakeholders are well represented. In this article, we will take a closer look at the role and composition of the Board, the qualifications required to be a member, and its responsibilities towards shareholders and other stakeholders.

An overview of Lennox International

Lennox International was founded in 1895 and has grown to become one of the leading companies in the HVAC industry. The company designs, manufactures and distributes a wide range of products, including air conditioners, furnaces, boilers and indoor air quality systems. With a global presence in over 100 countries, Lennox International has a workforce of more than 11,000 employees, serving residential and commercial customers.

In addition to its HVAC products, Lennox International also offers a range of services to its customers, including installation, maintenance, and repair. The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, such as using eco-friendly materials in its products and reducing energy consumption in its facilities. Lennox International also supports various charitable organizations and community initiatives, including Habitat for Humanity and the United Way.

The role of the Board of Directors in a company

The Board of Directors of any company is responsible for overseeing the management of that company, including setting its strategic direction and ensuring that the company adheres to its core values. The Board provides guidance and direction to the management team, with the ultimate goal of creating value for shareholders while considering other stakeholders such as employees, customers and the broader community.

Additionally, the Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that the company operates in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. They must also monitor the financial performance of the company and make decisions regarding investments, dividends, and other financial matters. The Board may also be responsible for appointing and evaluating the performance of the CEO and other top executives.

Who are the members of Lennox International's Board of Directors?

The Board of Directors at Lennox International is comprised of individuals who bring a wealth of experience and skills to the table. They are all elected by the shareholders to serve for a one-year term, and they may be re-elected for subsequent terms. Currently, the Board has ten members, including the Chairman and the CEO. Each member of the Board serves on one or more committees, such as Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance.

One of the members of Lennox International's Board of Directors is John D. Kearney, who has been a member of the Board since 2012. Kearney is the CEO of Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc., and he brings extensive experience in the manufacturing and distribution industries to the Board. Another member of the Board is Terry L. Johnston, who has been a member since 2016. Johnston is the former CFO of the global energy company, El Paso Corporation, and he brings expertise in finance and accounting to the Board.

The Board of Directors at Lennox International is committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance. In addition to the committees mentioned earlier, the Board has established a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which outlines the company's commitment to ethical behavior, legal compliance, and transparency. The Board also regularly reviews the company's risk management practices and oversees the company's financial reporting and internal controls to ensure that they are accurate and reliable.

A brief bio of each member of the Board

The following is a brief introduction to each member of Lennox International's Board of Directors:

• David L. Swift - Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Swift has been a member of the Board since 1988 and has served as the Chairman since 1999. He is the former CEO of Unifirst Corporation.
• Todd M. Bluedorn - President and CEO of Lennox International. Mr. Bluedorn joined the company in 2007 and has continuously served in various leadership roles across the organization. He has extensive experience in the HVAC industry, having formerly worked as the CEO of Axsys Technologies and AlliedSignal Aerospace.
• John W. Norris III - Vice Chairman of the Board. Mr. Norris has been a member of the Board since 1995 and has served as the Vice Chairman since 1999. He is also the Chairman of the Board at W.W. Grainger, Inc.
• John A. F. Bell - Mr. Bell is a private investor and serves on several boards, including Computer Services, Inc. and Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. He has been a member of the Board of Lennox International since 1996.
• Cindy L. Bush - Ms. Bush is the former Vice President of Technology and Chief Information Officer at Westinghouse Electric Company. She has been a member of the Board since 2011 and serves on various committees, including the Audit and Compensation committees.
• Raymond W. Cohen - Mr. Cohen is a Certified Public Accountant and has extensive experience as a senior executive in the transportation industry. He has been a member of the Board since 2007 and serves on the Audit and Nominating and Corporate Governance committees.
• Terry D. Edwards - Mr. Edwards is the former President and CEO of GTECH Corporation. He has been a member of the Board since 2002 and serves on various committees, including the Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance committees.
• John E. Major - Mr. Major is the founder and CEO of MTSG, LLC, a consulting firm focused on the defense and aerospace industry. He has been a member of the Board since 2008 and serves on the Audit and Compensation committees.
• Susan K. Nestegard - Ms. Nestegard is an experienced executive in the medical device and healthcare industry. She has been a member of the Board since 2015 and serves on the Nominating and Corporate Governance and the Audit committees.
• Paul W. Schmidt - Mr. Schmidt is a retired partner of PwC and has extensive experience in accounting and auditing. He has been a member of the Board since 1999 and serves on the Audit and Nominating and Corporate Governance committees.

In addition to the current members of the Board, Lennox International is actively seeking to add new members who bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the company. The Board is particularly interested in individuals with expertise in areas such as technology, sustainability, and international business.Lennox International's Board of Directors is committed to promoting sustainability and reducing the company's environmental impact. In 2020, the company set a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2025. The Board is actively involved in overseeing the company's progress towards this goal and ensuring that sustainability remains a top priority for the organization.

How were the members of the Board chosen?

The members of the Board of Directors are elected by the shareholders of the company. The process involves a nomination and voting process, with each elected member serving a one-year term. The Board is responsible for ensuring that there is a diverse group of individuals that bring a range of experiences and perspectives, and that the overall skillset of the Board supports the strategic goals of the company.

What are the qualifications required to be on the Board?

Lennox International's Board of Directors looks for individuals who have a demonstrated track record of success in their respective fields. This could include professional experience, educational background, business acumen, and personal attributes such as integrity and ethical leadership. The Board also values diversity in its membership, including gender, race, ethnicity, and background.

The responsibilities of the Board towards shareholders and stakeholders

The Board has a fiduciary responsibility to act in the best interests of the shareholders and other stakeholders, such as employees, customers, and the broader community. This includes ensuring that the company has a sound strategy in place, that the management team is executing that strategy effectively, that the company is addressing risks and opportunities, and that the company is operating within legal and ethical boundaries. Ultimately, the Board is accountable to the shareholders, who elect them to represent their interests.

The impact of the Board on company strategy and decision-making

The Board plays a significant role in guiding the strategic direction of the company and making key decisions that impact its performance. The Board oversees the development of the company's strategic plan, which is then executed by the management team. The Board also reviews and approves major investments, acquisitions, and divestitures, ensuring that they align with the company's overall strategy and are in the best interests of shareholders and other stakeholders.

How often does Lennox International's Board meet?

The Board of Directors at Lennox International holds regular meetings throughout the year, typically on a quarterly basis. Additional meetings may be called as needed in response to important issues that require attention. The Board also holds an annual meeting of shareholders, which provides an opportunity for shareholders to ask questions and engage with the Board and management team.

What are some recent decisions made by the Board?

The Board of Lennox International has recently made important decisions that reflect its commitment to long-term growth and sustainability. One notable decision was the acquisition of Heatcraft Worldwide Refrigeration, a leading provider of commercial refrigeration products, in 2018. The Board also approved an increase in the company's dividend payout in 2019, reflecting its confidence in the company's strategy and performance.

How does Lennox International ensure diversity on its Board?

Lennox International understands the importance of diversity in its Board of Directors and takes deliberate steps to ensure that its membership reflects a range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. The company has a formal process for identifying and selecting new Board members that includes a focus on identifying and evaluating candidates from diverse backgrounds. The Board also has a diversity and inclusion committee that oversees efforts to increase diversity across the organization.

The importance of transparency and accountability for Boards

Transparency and accountability are critical for Board of Directors to earn the trust of shareholders and other stakeholders. Lennox International has a strong commitment to transparency, regularly reporting on its financial and operational performance, as well as the activities of its Board. The company also has a social responsibilty report, which highlights its efforts to mitigate the impact of its operations on the environment and support the communities where it operates.

What is Lennox International's corporate governance structure?

Lennox International has a robust corporate governance structure that is designed to ensure that the company is managed in an effective, efficient, and ethical manner. The Board of Directors oversees the governance structure, ensuring that the company is in compliance with its legal and regulatory obligations and that the interests of shareholders and other stakeholders are well-represented.

Challenges faced by Lennox International's Board and how they address them.

Like any company, Lennox International faces numerous challenges from the external environment and its operations. The Board of Directors closely monitors these challenges and works collaboratively with the management team to address them. Some of the challenges that the company has faced include regulatory changes, economic uncertainty, and competitive pressures from new entrants in the market. The Board has responded by implementing new strategies, investing in innovation, and seeking to diversify its revenue streams to mitigate the impact of external factors.

Future plans for Lennox International under the guidance of its Board.

Lennox International is well-positioned for success in the future, thanks to the strong leadership of its Board of Directors and the commitment of its employees. The company will continue to innovate and develop new products and services that meet the evolving needs of its customers. It will also focus on sustainability and social responsibility, ensuring that its operations have a positive impact on the environment and society as a whole.

Conclusion: The significance of a strong, competent board for a company's success

The Board of Directors plays a critical role in the success of any company. For Lennox International, the Board ensures that the company continues to provide high-quality products and services while maintaining a focus on long-term value creation for shareholders and other stakeholders. With a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, the members of the Board bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to help navigate the challenges of the modern business world. By ensuring transparency, accountability, and a commitment to sustainability, Lennox International's Board of Directors is well-positioned to lead the company to continued success well into the future.